[Part 2/4]
As I cracked my stiff shoulders, Magoroku continued. He has sharp ears. ...Grilled chicken with salt sounds delicious.
"Well then, it's been a while... if it's not too much trouble, may I play the koto?"
Since we've been on the move constantly, I hadn't seen Mari play her koto in a while. It seems she thought that if she didn't practice for too long, her skills would dull. She wanted to play as a way to practice.
"Of course. Feel free to play as much as you like."
"If it's okay with you, I'd love to."
"Alright. It's settled then. Magoroku, want to listen together later with so drinks and snacks? I'll share my good stuff with you."
"Haha, I'd be happy to join! But... should we not tell Big Sis Iruka? Won't she say sothing later?"
"Is it okay if she take all the drinks and snacks?"
"Got it!"
As we joked around, I pulled out one of the bottles of imported sake that Kayo had given to relax, while taking off the heavy gear I had on. Magoroku went off to look for a maid to ask for so side dishes. Then he opened the shoji paper door and was taken aback by the elderly innkeeper waiting there.
"Whoa!? W-What's going on?"
"...Where is the Onitsuki family's' Household mber Coordinator?"
The response to Magoroku's blinking inquiry was the old woman's heavy bow and her hoarse voice.
"...It's . What do you need?"
I stepped forward, pushing Magoroku back. She glanced at , slightly furrowing her brow... probably because I looked like a servant... and then she bowed again, trying to compose herself. Then she answered.
"It's a guest. Please co quickly. The representative of young lady, has already arrived."
At the unexpected statent from the innkeeper, I furrowed my brow this ti...
* * *
"Could it be that the head of the family is personally here to greet us... I'm truly sorry for the trouble, along with Tamaki."
In the finest guest room of the inn, I stood beside Tamaki, speaking on our behalf. I bowed sincerely and humbly. It was definitely necessary.
"No, no, no. If it's a delegation from the renowned Onitsuki family, then it's an honor to welco you! There's no need for such concern!"
Her response was solemn for her age, yet lively and clear, as if it rang out. It seed there was not a hint of malice or sarcasm in her tone.
"However... I sincerely apologize for not eting your expectations, but I'm not those who carry the blood of Onitsuki. I'm rely the Household mber Coordinator summoned by Onitsuki. I'm certainly not the kind of people who would warrant a visit from the head of the family."
I answered clearly like that to gauge the true intentions of the person in front of . With my head bowed, I peeked at the other person through the gap.
The man looked like he was over 60, with a face full of wrinkles, but he still had a strong build with broad shoulders. He had a big grin that seed to stretch his muscles, and he widened his eyes slightly, shaking his head while saying, "No, no, no." His behavior seed a bit exaggerated.
Well, considering the rumors, there's a good chance he's just being genuine.
"Don't be so modest. Compared to Onitsuki, our family's history is quite short... not even half as long. The skills of our clan are nothing but child's play compared to Onitsuki. ...Even as a household mber, it's the sa. I've heard that the household mbers of the Onitsuki family are quite skilled. Especially..."
Then the man looked over carefully. He noticed that I was still in my work clothes instead of formal attire due to my rush.
"Just as I thought. Wearing Tengu feather clothing and carrying 2 exquisite daggers (tantō). And... was it Teguruma? I've heard that the thread of the giant spider can cut through steel? You seem to be well-equipped with hidden weapons and curse tools, don't you?"
The man... Juuyaku Ichishen from the Center region exorcists pointed this out leisurely, without any hesitation or reservation. Tamaki and I froze for a mont. In fact, Tamaki glanced at .
"...I was in a hurry. Please forgive my rudeness."
"No, no! Not at all! You truly have the mindset of soone always on the battlefield; I'm impressed! If you're an exorcist, it should be like this!!"
The head of the Juuyaku family laughed heartily, as if to brush off my polite apology. It seed genuine, not an act or sarcasm.
Once, the Yakushiji family was a powerful force among exorcists, known for their skills in spiritual dicine. However, they eventually declined due to the machinations of the Youkai Salvation Organization and the policies of the imperial court, leading to their downfall. Yet, not all branches of their lineage disappeared. In fact, there are still household mbers belonging to the Onitsuki family who excel in handling spiritual dicine, and these branches have been valued in various fields, keeping their legacy alive.
The Juuyaku family, with a history of 2 hundred years, is a legitimate exorcist family that originated from a branch of the Yakushiji family. They were originally mbers of a different household but, after many twists and turns, they beca an independent exorcist family. The current head is the 4th generation. And... they are known for being strong against youkai spirits.
The exorcist families in the Center region are not just a bunch of weaklings. There are indeed powerful individuals, and so families even possess extraordinary techniques that are hard to approach.
However, like most exorcist families, it is true that the majority prioritize the maintenance and managent of their territory, the Spiritual Vein. The Center region is a peaceful place. It seems that aside from those dispatched to the Omnyouji Bureau, so only engage in actual combat a few tis a year by exterminating low-level youkai. In the original story, there were even those who insulted them, calling them "a well-trained group of virgins." While that might be an exaggeration, it cannot be denied that many of them lack real combat experience.
What makes the Juuyaku family unusual is that they actively take their clan mbers out for expeditions beyond their territory. Most of their clan mbers belong to the Omnyouji Bureau or are employed by noble families, samurai, or wealthy rchants, gaining real combat experience as bodyguards or helpers in various regions. So even have experience as rcenaries across the sea. This information is not from the original story but cos from connections gained as a Household mber Coordinator.
(And this head in front of is the one who built such a family...)
Age 80 or 90. It seems he beca the head of the family at 30. This man is said to have taken the ordinary operations of the Juuyaku family and transford it into a fierce fighting force over half a century. So scary... If my true-self gets revealed, he might co to kill .
"Household mber Coordinator, is there sothing on my face?"
"!? ...No, I had heard about you beforehand. As expected of the loyal subject of Juuyaku. Impressive that you can capture my gaze."
I honestly admit to the observation. At the very least, it seems he can see through blatant lies. I'll avoid lying.
"Hahaha! No, no, don't worry about it. It's rather embarrassing that soone of my na is known! ...And you are the young lady summoned from Hotoya, right? I've heard rumors about you!"
"Eh!? Oh, yes!? ...Rumors, you say?"
Tamaki is surprised by the sudden ntion and confused by the talk of rumors. No one is happy to be talked about like that.
"Indeed! Your fighting in Hieda district and the defeat of 'Mayoiga' at Mount Hōraku! I don't know the details, but I've heard you've been active in the town as well. Wow, for your age, you're quite brave. I'd like our young ones to learn from you!"
"Uh, uh...?"
Overwheld by the loud praise, Tamaki can only respond in a daze. She seems to be struggling to keep up with the energy.
(In a way, this is a hassle...)
People who lack motivation, those who are clingy, and those who flatter can be annoying, but having soone like this man show enthusiasm and try to win favor is troubleso too. When soone is watching, it makes things difficult. If they start acting all high and mighty, it would be unbearable. Both Tamaki and I have our own burdens to carry.
"Oh, I almost forgot. This is a small gift from my family. Please, accept it!"
Unaware of my worries and Tamaki's confusion, the head of the Juuyaku family continues the conversation. He unwraps the furoshiki he had beside him, revealing a lacquered tiered box. He opens the lid of the expensive box.
And what he presents is...
"...Huh, what's this?"
"What do you an? It's a sparrow."
"A sparrow?"
"Yes. It's a sparrow."
The head of the family calmly responds to Tamaki's question. Tamaki looks at the contents of the bento box with a strained expression. Packed with ice, there's a large amount of sparrow at (over a hundred whole birds) with their feathers plucked. If it were just one or 2, Tamaki, having grown up in the countryside, might be okay with it. But seeing so many of them, looking like little chicks, that have been brutally killed is quite hard to take.
"...By the way, how do you eat it?"
"Whole, of course?"
"Whole..."
"Yes. You eat it whole, starting from the head."
"..."
Tamaki slowly looks over here. With slightly teary eyes, she seems to be asking for help.
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